Golden, Colorado
Looking for the best hiking in Golden? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Golden. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.
Top Hiking Spots in and near Golden
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Jefferson, Colorado
Backpack Lost Creek
4.05 miI included a trail map of where I camped. There are many sites all throughout this area. From the Lost Park Campground Parking lot follow the Lost Creek for 2.4 miles. At the 1 mile mark was the best place that we found to cross the creek (there are two logs that make a bridge across the creek). ...Read more -
Allenspark, Colorado
Sandbeach Lake Trail
4.08.56 mi / 2057 ft gainSandbeach Lake is best known for (as you can probably guess) its wide sandy shore. At nearly 50 feet deep, it is one of Rocky Mountain National Parks deepest lakes. If you are looking to fish at the lake, make sure to bring barbless flies and lures. There are six official campsites (1.8 miles Hol...Read more -
1046 County Highway 115, Colorado
Winter Hike to Calypso Cascades
6.25 mi / 580 ft gainWhile most people go snowshoeing near the Bear Lake or Glacier Gorge area in RMNP, Wild Basin is a much less trafficked option. The entrance station isn't manned in the winter, so you'll get in for free, as well! You can put the Wild Basin Trailhead into your GPS, but you'll have to park at the w...Read more -
Allenspark, Colorado
Hike to Pear Lake
5.013 mi / 2112 ft gainPear lake is a beautiful alpine lake in the southern Wild Basin region of Rocky Mountain National Park. Once used as a reservoir, Pear Lake has been restored to its natural state and lies in scenic basin below some of the most isolated mountains in the park. The trail to Pear Lake passes through ...Read more -
Allenspark, Colorado
Hike to Finch Lake
3.08.96 miThere are several ways to reach finch lake but this will cover the route from the Finch Lake Trailhead in the wild basin area of Rocky Mountain National Park. You can also loop it with other trails in the area or begin at the Allenspark Trailhead, which is technically outside the park and a bit e...Read more -
Allenspark, Colorado
Hike to Ouzel Falls
4.05.22 mi / 870 ft gainLocated right outside of Rocky Mountain National Park, this hike is perfect for anyone looking to do a little exploring without the cost of a park fee. The drive through the Rocky Mountains to the trailhead is an added bonus. This hike is great because it has multiple attractions all along the wa...Read more -
Allenspark, Colorado
Backpack to Bluebird Lake
4.314 mi / 2500 ft gainStarting at the Wild Basin trailhead on the south side of Rocky Mountain National Park, hike through a wet forest towards upper and lower Copeland Falls, located 0.45 miles from the trailhead. From here, continue on the main trail along the North Fork of the Saint Vrain River to Calypso Cascades,...Read more -
Allenspark, Colorado
Hike to Thunder Lake
12 mi / 2275 ft gainStarting at the often-busy Wild Basin TH, the trail passes through dense forests as it follows the North Fork of the Saint Vrain River through the southernmost section of Rocky Mountain National Park. The trail passes alongside the small Copeland Falls before continuing west towards Calypso Casca...Read more -
Allenspark, Colorado
Ouzel & Ogallala Peaks
17.18 mi / 4403 ft gainBegin at the Wild Basin Trailhead in southeastern Rocky Mountain National Park near the town of Allenspark. Plan to start before sunrise if attempting this trek as a day trip in order to avoid afternoon thunderstorms above the treeline. This trip can easily be made into a backpacking experience b...Read more -
Dillon, Colorado
Off-Road to Glacier Mountain
5.07.4 mi / 2100 ft gainThe trail begins just past historical Main Street Montezuma. You will see a sign on your right for St. Johns road. This road is officially marked as 275 on a map. The original road lead to St. Johns but not much of the town remains.You will cross the Snake River almost immediately after you turn ...Read more -
Franktown, Colorado
Hike the Creek Bottom Trail
5.04.1 miThe West Side of Castlewood Canyon is the more "rugged" side of the park, it has a dirt road, gravel parking lots, and only vault toilets. Luckily, this also means this is a less popular side of the park, making for less crowded trails and easier parking! Park at the first trailhead, for the Hom...Read more -
Franktown, Colorado
Hike the Rim Rock Trail
4.98 miThe West Side of Castlewood Canyon is the more "rugged" side of the park, it has a dirt road, gravel parking lots, and only vault toilets. Luckily, this also means this is a less popular side of the park, making for less crowded trails and easier parking! Park at the first trailhead, for the Hom...Read more -
Franktown, Colorado
Hike the Rim Rock / Creek Bottom Trail Loop
5.04.54 miThe West Side of Castlewood Canyon is the more "rugged" side of the park, it has a dirt road, gravel parking lots, and only vault toilets. Luckily, this also means this is a less popular side of the park, making for less crowded trails and easier parking! Park at the first trailhead, for the Hom...Read more -
Jefferson, Colorado
Colorado Trail: Kenosha Pass to FR 130
4.66.81 mi / 938 ft gainThe Colorado Trail (http://www.coloradotrail.org) is 500 miles long and stretches from Denver to Durango. Perhaps the most-traveled portion of the Colorado Trail is at Kenosha Pass. Kenosha Pass is well-known for its thick, colorful stands of aspen in the fall. During peak leaf season (late Septe...Read more -
Granby, Colorado
Mirror and Crater Lakes via Cascade Creek Trail
4.614.94 mi / 2421 ft gainStart at the Monarch Lake trailhead (where there is a $5 parking fee unless you have one of the national lands passes) and follow the cascade creek trail around the north side of the lake. After about 1.5 miles the trail splits with the Arapaho pass trail, follow the cascade trail to the left as ...Read more -
Fraser, Colorado
Summit Byers Peak
8.8 mi / 2774 ft gainThe drive to the start of the trail is okay, having a high clearance vehicle would make the drive easier, but is not necessary. Free parking is available along the side of the road.The trail starts on a closed service road at a gate and requires you to either hike or bike up the dirt road (2 mil...Read more